Improvement Levels

[Turtlemouse]

I've found lately that my general improvement in photography and especially competing in National competitions seems to have dropped off. I've come a long way in my photography skills in the last 5 years but now I seem to be improving less or is it my imagination?

Is it possible to plato? Could it be the time given to photography, the enthusiasm levels, the opportunities you have for photographing subjects, how creative you are and feel etc that has something to do with it?

My lenses have improved to Canon L series f2.8 IS lenses, and my computer skills have improved but my scores from 'external judges' in competitions have been less this year than say last year.

Maybe everyone else is just getting too darn good or improving faster or finding better subject matter?

Thoughts anyone?

[Free]

I'll assume you mean plateau and not Plato the Greek philosopher! I think every body plateaus at everything they do, you can't keep improving at the same speed as a beginner does forever. Eventually you get to a level that you must work really hard for the smallest gain. I think in any art form that passion is the key. If you're not into it at the time you're not going to create something to your fullest potential. Sounds like you might just need a bit of inspiration?

[Turtlemouse]

Thanks for the reply and yes I did mean plateau not Plato the greek dude.

I will be going overseas shortly so hopefully that will inspire me with the Photo Journalism style shots I hope to capture.

I improved so fast in the last 5 years I guess slowly down is normal!